In a surprising move, three-term Mayor Receliste “Tanoy” Escolin of the Municipality of
President Roxas filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) last October 8.
According to Escolin, he filed his COC because he will be unable to complete his current term
when it ends on June 2025 due to his 90-day suspension earlier this year.
Escolin cited a prior Supreme Court (SC) decision and the opinion by the Department of the
Interior and Local Government (DILG) to back his claims.
Escolin interpreted the SC decision and DILG decision as having “interrupted” his public service
as municipal mayor because of the 90-day suspension imposed by the Ombudsman for simple
misconduct.
Under the Local Government Code, local chief executives are limited to three terms or nine
consecutive years in office. After which, they are barred from seeking an elective post for the
same position.
Escolin said he is prepared to respond if anyone challenges his decision.
But veteran lawyer James Bereber argued that Escolin’s suspension does not qualify as an
interruption of public service or a “discontinuity of term.”
Bereber referenced an SC ruling that stated that temporary incapacity or disqualification—even
if involuntary such as extended illness, force majeure or suspension—does not interrupt an
elected official’s term of office.
Reports also indicated that Escolin’s wife might substitute incase the incumbent mayor is
disqualified.
It will be up to Comelec En Banc in Manila to rule whether or not to accept Escolin’s candidacy
and if he can still run as municipal mayor.
Meanwhile, Escolin’s running mate is incumbent Sangguniang Bayan Member (SB) Jeff
Pastrana.
